Getting diagnosed with IBS is a really important step towards managing the condition effectively. It can be a bit confusing, sometimes unclear what the process typically entails. So, understanding the diagnosis process may help you navigate the sometimes frustrating journey. Here are some of the things that might be recommended to you in your journey to getting an IBS diagnosis.
It’s important to note that there is no single test that can diagnose IBS. It gets diagnosed based on your symptoms, and sometimes, based on additional tests that are used to rule out any other condition. It’s what we call a ‘diagnosis of exclusion’.
How IBS gets diagnosed
The first step to an IBS diagnosis will most likely involve a detailed discussion with your doctor about your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and your personal medical history.
Doctors will often refer to the Rome Foundation diagnostic criteria. The Rome Foundation is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving our understanding and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), like IBS. It was established in 1992, and it’s responsible for creating and updating diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for FGIDs through evidence-based research. The foundation’s work is widely recognised in the medical community, particularly the Rome Criteria, which are standardised guidelines used by doctors worldwide to diagnose IBS and other FGIDs. The current version, Rome IV, helps doctors to make a diagnosis based on your symptom patterns and medical history.
Using this criteria, your doctor is likely to ask you if you’ve experienced recurrent abdominal pain, at least 1 day per week on average in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following:
- Related to defecation (either increasing or decreasing pain)
- Associated with a change in frequency of stool
- Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
Your doctor will be on the lookout for signs of other potential conditions to run tests for, which you could have alongside with IBS. Signs like unexplained weight loss, unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, a family history of ovarian or bowel cancer, the onset of symptoms after the age of 50, or a sudden change in bowel habits are all indicators that could help differentiate IBS from other conditions which need to be diagnosed and treated.
➡ IBS doesn’t just affect your gut. Read about less common IBS symptoms.
Blood Test
One of the first tests your doctor might order is a blood test. This is very common, non-invasive and easy to do. It helps to see if there are signs of other conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). A blood test can be used to look for low iron levels or inflammatory markers. Low iron levels can indicate anaemia, while high inflammatory markers might suggest an ongoing inflammation. That could point towards conditions other than IBS, like IBDs for example.
Stool Test
A stool test might follow, another easy and non-invasive way to get a better idea about what is going on. Here, your stool is examined for blood, infections, or parasites. This test can rule out infections that might cause symptoms similar to IBS. Stool tests can also help identify inflammatory markers, which are not typically present in IBS but are common in other conditions like IBDs.
Sigmoidoscopy
This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to examine the lower part of your colon. It helps rule out issues like diverticulosis, tumours, or inflammation. Sigmoidoscopy is usually less invasive than a colonoscopy and it can provide really valuable information about the health of your lower colon.
Colonoscopy
In some cases, a colonoscopy might be deemed necessary. This procedure examines the entire colon and is more comprehensive than a sigmoidoscopy. A colonoscopy can detect polyps, tumours, inflammation, or any other abnormalities that might be causing symptoms similar to IBS. The preparation for a colonoscopy can be a bit daunting, and it’s more invasive than the other tests listed above. However, it might be recommended by your doctor if they find any red flags in any of your symptoms, other test results, or medical history. This procedure enables a thorough examination of your colon, ensuring that serious conditions are not overlooked.
This information is generalised and is obviously not tailored to your situation. The tests and procedures for diagnosing IBS entirely depend on your personal situation, symptoms, and medical history. These will always be tailored by your doctor to suit your needs. Knowing what the potential steps could be can be helpful in navigating the sometimes frustrating journey of getting an IBS diagnosis.
For more detailed information, check out the NICE guidelines on diagnosing IBS. These offer comprehensive details on diagnostic criteria and procedures.
Please never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns or need any clarification about the steps to an IBS diagnosis. They’re there to guide you through each step, ensuring you get the best care possible. Be your own advocate and get the support you need and deserve!
